The audience is a key difference from the essay. For the blog post, the audience will be people who have read the book before and those who want to read the book for the first time. You need to help your reader understand what happens in the book by analyzing and expounding upon the literature devices you decide to discuss.  

Here’s a link to an example of a blog post about a book: http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2014/08/15/the_giver_by_lois_lowry_rereading_the_ya_book_as_an_adult_before_the_movie.html 

Requirements: 

• 800 – 1200 words 

• At least 6 paragraphs 

• If intext citation used, must use proper MLA citations.  

• A total of 3 literary devices are analyzed 

• Follows organization structure learned in class 

• Use of transitions 

 

You can use these guiding questions to help you as you write your letter (You don’t need to answer ALL these questions) 

• Does it sound like a blog post? 

• Does it contain personal opinion? 

• Do you specify which literary devices you used and what you analyzed from them? 

• Did you engage your reader and make them want to read the book for the first time or to read it again? 

 

Audience: The audience for the blog post will be people who have read the book and those who want to read the book.  

 

Template: (You can use this but you can write more than 6 paragraphs (add to the body paragraphs) as long as the word limit is under 1200) Your paragraphs should be single spaced and have extra blank lines between each paragraph as in the example. 

(Title of Blog post) 

(Intro Paragraph 1: personal reflection from reading the book and about 100 words in length) 

(Intro paragraph 2: induction to the blog topics, sort of like a thesis for the blog post and about 100 words in length) 

(Body Paragraph 1 discussing 1^st Lit Element) 

(Body Paragraph 2 discussing 2^nd  Lit Element) 

(Body Paragraph 3 discussing 3^rd  Lit Element) 

(Reflection paragraph looking back at first intro paragraph and explaining what life lessons can be gained from the book in light of the lit elements and about 100 words in length) 

(Your Name) 

(Intro Paragraph 1: personal reflection from reading the book and about 100 words in length) 
Personally, when I read this book, I learnt and understood that

(Intro paragraph 2: induction to the blog topics, sort of like a thesis for the blog post and about 100 words in length) 

(Body Paragraph 1 discussing 1^st Lit Element) 

(Body Paragraph 2 discussing 2^nd  Lit Element) 

(Body Paragraph 3 discussing 3^rd  Lit Element) 

(Reflection paragraph looking back at first intro paragraph and explaining what life lessons can be gained from the book in light of the lit elements and about 100 words in length) 

(Your Name) 

(Intro Paragraph 1: personal reflection from reading the book and about 100 words in length) 

(Intro paragraph 2: induction to the blog topics, sort of like a thesis for the blog post and about 100 words in length) 

(Body Paragraph 1 discussing 1^st Lit Element)  

(Reflection paragraph looking back at first intro paragraph and explaining what life lessons can be gained from the book in light of the lit elements and about 100 words in length) 

(Your Name) 

(Intro Paragraph 1: personal reflection from reading the book and about 100 words in length) 

(Intro paragraph 2: induction to the blog topics, sort of like a thesis for the blog post and about 100 words in length) 

(Body Paragraph 1 discussing 1^st Lit Element) 

(Body Paragraph 2 discussing 2^nd  Lit Element) 

(Body Paragraph 3 discussing 3^rd  Lit Element) 

(Reflection paragraph looking back at first intro paragraph and explaining what life lessons can be gained from the book in light of the lit elements and about 100 words in length) 

Timothy

(Intro Paragraph 1: personal reflection from reading the book and about 100 words in length) 

(Intro paragraph 2: induction to the blog topics, sort of like a thesis for the blog post and about 100 words in length) 

(Body Paragraph 1 discussing 1^st Lit Element) 

(Reflection paragraph looking back at first intro paragraph and explaining what life lessons can be gained from the book in light of the lit elements and about 100 words in length) 

(Your Name) 

 

(Intro Paragraph 1: personal reflection from reading the book and about 100 words in length) 

(Intro paragraph 2: induction to the blog topics, sort of like a thesis for the blog post and about 100 words in length) 

(Body Paragraph 1 discussing 1^st Lit Element) 

(Body Paragraph 2 discussing 2^nd  Lit Element) 

(Body Paragraph 3 discussing 3^rd  Lit Element) 

(Reflection paragraph looking back at first intro paragraph and explaining what life lessons can be gained from the book in light of the lit elements and about 100 words in length) 

(Your Name) 

"Students, I need you to have your Of Mice and Men by tomorrow." 
Why exactly is it a 'must' for students to read this book, fancied by all English teachers? I spent 5 weeks discussing the book with my fellow classmates. Personally, when reading the first few pages, my initial reaction was to doze off and sleep on my classroom desk, but the weeks of discussion on this book altered the way I saw this book. Reading and flipping page after page ignited the appreciation inside me, to the point where I enjoyed this book as much as other English enthusiasts did. Surprisingly, I decided to reread the book again, in hopes for better understanding. 

I was right, I was astonished that reading a book for the first time, personally and for most readers out there, only showed readers the plot line of the book. While reading for the second time clearly exhibited the different ways Mr. Steinbeck disguises the literary device, euphemism, into the book. Mr. Steinbeck includes simple, indirect words that depicts the true meaning intended. Yet, euphemism isn't always terrible, for example telling people that someone has passed away, instead of dead. Multiple times, did Mr. Steinbeck tied in the theme of the American dream with euphemism. 

In page 11, the first paragraph, Mr. Steinbeck in the form of George mentions cat house, "I could go get a job an' work...and when the month come I could take my fifty bucks and go into town and get whatever I want. Why, I could stay in a cat house all night." (Steinbeck). Cat house is the euphemism of a 🤬 house. Steinbeck uses the euphemism to reform the phrase 🤬 house into something more elegant. However, as I reread this exact part, I realize that not only does cat house represent a euphemism, but a clear example of the false nature/understanding of men. Men like George or Slim could enter a cat house, as described nicely, but turns out otherwise, where the cat house, a 🤬 house is a trap for these men. This place hinders men from achieving their dream, wasting money and obscuring men's brain and mind. People back at that time period and even until now use cat houses as a source of relaxation and joy. Euphemism in this context is like snare, luring men into what seems like a friendly place, but actually a 🤬 house. 

Reading the book for the second time eases readers to understand what authors are trying to depict, in this case through euphemism. Many times in life, euphemism appears in many other way like the internet especially, not only in literature. In our daily life, it is often good to look again and look deeper and through, to the actual meaning. I hope that readers of this blog post, whether you have or have not read the book enjoyed this intriguing English literature.

Rayner Lee

(Intro Paragraph 1: personal reflection from reading the book and about 100 words in length) 

(Intro paragraph 2: induction to the blog topics, sort of like a thesis for the blog post and about 100 words in length) 

(Body Paragraph 1 discussing 1^st Lit Element) 

(Body Paragraph 2 discussing 2^nd  Lit Element) 

(Body Paragraph 3 discussing 3^rd  Lit Element) 

(Reflection paragraph looking back at first intro paragraph and explaining what life lessons can be gained from the book in light of the lit elements and about 100 words in length) 

Gacy

(Intro paragraph 2: induction to the blog topics, sort of like a thesis for the blog post and about 100 words in length) 

(Body Paragraph 1 discussing 1^st Lit Element) 

(Body Paragraph 2 discussing 2^nd  Lit Element) 

(Body Paragraph 3 discussing 3^rd  Lit Element) 

(Reflection paragraph looking back at first intro paragraph and explaining what life lessons can be gained from the book in light of the lit elements and about 100 words in length) 

(Your Name) 

(Intro Paragraph 1: personal reflection from reading the book and about 100 words in length) 

(Intro paragraph 2: induction to the blog topics, sort of like a thesis for the blog post and about 100 words in length) 

(Body Paragraph 1 discussing 1^st Lit Element) 

(Body Paragraph 2 discussing 2^nd  Lit Element) 

(Body Paragraph 3 discussing 3^rd  Lit Element) 

(Reflection paragraph looking back at first intro paragraph and explaining what life lessons can be gained from the book in light of the lit elements and about 100 words in length) 

(Your Name) 

The importance of Mice and Men

The well known novel by John Steinbeck, Of Mice and Men is known for being

(Intro paragraph 2: induction to the blog topics, sort of like a thesis for the blog post and about 100 words in length) 

(Body Paragraph 1 discussing 1^st Lit Element) 

(Body Paragraph 2 discussing 2^nd  Lit Element) 

(Body Paragraph 3 discussing 3^rd  Lit Element) 

(Reflection paragraph looking back at first intro paragraph and explaining what life lessons can be gained from the book in light of the lit elements and about 100 words in length) 

(Your Name) 

(Intro Paragraph 1: personal reflection from reading the book and about 100 words in length) 

(Intro paragraph 2: induction to the blog topics, sort of like a thesis for the blog post and about 100 words in length) 

(Body Paragraph 1 discussing 1^st Lit Element) 

(Body Paragraph 2 discussing 2^nd  Lit Element) 

(Body Paragraph 3 discussing 3^rd  Lit Element) 

(Reflection paragraph looking back at first intro paragraph and explaining what life lessons can be gained from the book in light of the lit elements and about 100 words in length) 

(Your Name) 

 

John Steinbeck's novel, Of Mice and Men, is renown for being "that book" everyone studied and close read in high school. Finishing the book brings a sense of relief, either because it means you don't have to read through pages and pages of outdated words and long prose, or that you thoroughly enjoyed it and are finally able to step back and view the book as a whole, analyzing Steinbeck's simple, effective use of imagery with the satisfaction of knowing the full message and plot.

 

In chapter two, Steinbeck vividly and eloquently describes a bunkhouse to set a mood, stating:

"The bunkhouse was a long, rectangular building. Inside, the walls were whitewashed and the floor unpainted. In three walls there were small, square windows, and in the fourth, a solid door with a wooden latch. Against the walls were eight bunks, five of them made up with blankets and the other three showing their burlap ticking."

This brief passage emphasizes on ranch hands' daily life and the norm during the Great Depression. The description of the dreary reality men had in the 1930s is juxtaposed with George and Lennie's developed and thorough dream, which is further elaborated in their conversation with Candy. Their mindset and the perception of the world and their dreams by many others reflects their attitude towards work. Those who succumb to the depressing mood of the decade are hopeless, relenting to the unattractive bunk house lifestyle, while others like Lennie and George imagine something larger, working towards a common goal.

 

Overall, whether or not you genuinely enjoyed Steinbeck's novel for its strategically placed imagery to support the message of the American Dream, it resounds and can be applied to everyone. Perhaps the novel's simplicity is what enabled it to touch hearts of millions, becoming a classic piece of high school English literature, letting adolescents know the harsh reality that happy endings cannot always be achieved. Discernment, honesty, and meaningful support groups are key to achieving one's dream, but so is luck and an individual's social context, reminding readers the constant warnings of our parents: life is not fair.

 

Bianca Kolim

 

Hey blog fans! In this article I will be giving my honest review on a book called Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. Throughout this past year, I had been on the lookout for a book that would not only provide an interesting story, but one that could also convey a moral that could potentially be useful in my life. Then one day I heard many positive reviews from other peers about a book called Of Mice and Men. Of Mice and Men is an astonishing story that takes place during the Great Depression in America. It follows through a friendship of two people named George and Lennie and shows the hardships that people faced during the Great Depression. Although the book was taken in place during the Great Depression, the messages from this book is still relevant till present day. I was blown away by how a simple story line was able to convey such a universal and important message. In this book, Steinbeck used his setting to help contribute to the storyline and its period of time. There are many messages that I was able to find from reading the book. However, there was one clear and evident message that was able to be identified. Steinbeck was inputting the importance of hard work and how through never giving up success would be achieved. 

 

The message is clearly evident throughout the whole book and the stories of each character introduced. One of the part of the book where the message is clearly evident is in chapter three. In chapter three, I noticed the way Steinbeck used a descriptive image of the setting to help visualize the idea of the American dream and how tough life was during the Great Depression. In chapter three, Candy was telling Lennie & George about his American dream. He explained to them that he had worked for a numerous number of years in order to achieve the money he owned, which was not much considering the time period. Using his money, he wanted to purchase his own land in order that he could work on his own free will. When Lennie & George began to explain their dream of purchasing their own place, Candy was intrigued and said he wanted to be a part of it. According to Candy sooner or later when he is unable to work they'll can him and just like his dog he'll be useless and lonely. Through this it is evident that during the Great Depression life was tough and in order to achieve their dreams they would have to work hard. Through hard work and commitment, you would earn your freedom. 

As a reader of this book, I can truthfully say that I am a fan of his work and will definitely read his other books. I finally found the perfect book that has a universal message and is suitable for teens and adults. This book is perfect for people in adolescence because in many ways the readers will be able to learn through the different events that happened in this book and how they can use the advice for future references. Personally, I was glad to have picked up important messages that has helped me through real life situations. The first lesson I learned from this book is that success can only be achieved through hard work. In the book, from assessing the different stories from the characters and more specifically Candy, I learned that life during the Great Depression was not easy. Giving up is never an option, because if you keep trying and working hard to find other alternatives things will work out in the end. It is important to preserve your hope and to always be positive in every bad situation. Another message I was able to find was that friendships are valuable and important. A good and loyal friendship is priceless. That’s why it’s important to find friends with good influence that is always striking for what’s best. Even though in the book George confesses that in the beginning of his friendship with Lennie, things were pretty rocky. George used Lennie and was telling him to do stupid stunts and actions that later resulted in horrible outcomes. However after Lennie’s drowning incident, George found out how valuable his friendship with Lennie was. They stuck by each other’s side and stayed together no matter the worries they had. George had saved Lennie’s life in multiple occasions and always aims to help Lennie become a better person. It’s important to have a loyal friendship like George and Lennie because when trouble comes, sticking and being with your friends will help improve the issue. Of Mice and Men is a must read I am 10/10 recommending this book to teens and above. It is a great book with important morals that will be beneficial to every reader. 

Sabrina.

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Emily Budiman

John Steinbeck's novel, Of Mice and Men, is renown for being "that book" everyone studied and close read in high school. Imagery, 

(Intro paragraph 2: induction to the blog topics, sort of like a thesis for the blog post and about 100 words in length) 

(Body Paragraph 1 discussing 1^st Lit Element) 

(Body Paragraph 2 discussing 2^nd  Lit Element) 

(Body Paragraph 3 discussing 3^rd  Lit Element) 

(Reflection paragraph looking back at first intro paragraph and explaining what life lessons can be gained from the book in light of the lit elements and about 100 words in length) 

(Your Name)